Episode 801
Recognizing Divine Movement Amidst Religious Blindness | Ep 801
This episode elucidates the profound themes of liberation and transformation as articulated in Acts 13, verses 26 through 35. We explore the notion that divine salvation extends beyond mere individual benefit, embodying a collective narrative of emancipation for all humanity. Furthermore, we confront the sobering reality of religious blindness, evidenced by the failure of the authorities to recognize the significance of the very prophecies they diligently studied. This discussion culminates in the assertion that the resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event, but an ongoing invitation for us to actively participate in the revitalization of our communities. In our concluding reflection, we encourage listeners to identify areas of decay and oppression within their own spheres and to take tangible steps towards fostering renewal and transformation.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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The 801st episode of Daily Bible Refresh, hosted by Dr. Brad Miller, delves into the profound themes presented in Acts 13:26-35, a passage rich with theological significance and practical implications for contemporary believers. The discussion begins with an exploration of the message of salvation directed towards the children of Abraham, emphasizing the targeted nature of this divine communication. The historical context is crucial, as the episode reflects on the failure of the Jerusalem authorities to recognize the Messiah, despite their familiarity with prophetic texts. This juxtaposition serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for religious blindness in modern contexts, urging listeners to remain vigilant to the movements of divine grace in their lives and communities.
Dr. Miller intricately weaves the narrative of liberation theology into the fabric of the discussion. By highlighting the resurrection of Jesus as a transformative force, he articulates a vision of salvation that transcends individualistic notions, presenting it instead as a communal liberation. The host encourages listeners to contemplate the implications of resurrection power in addressing systemic injustices, such as racism and economic inequality. This reflection is not merely academic; it is a call to action, inviting participants to identify areas of decay within their communities and take concrete steps toward revitalization and justice. The richness of the dialogue serves to inspire a deeper engagement with faith that is both reflective and actionable.
Additionally, the episode culminates in a prayer that embodies the spirit of the discussed themes, beseeching divine guidance to recognize and participate in the ongoing work of resurrection in a world often marked by despair. Dr. Miller’s concluding remarks reinforce a commitment to continuous learning and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of community in the journey of faith. This episode not only provides a theological exposition but also serves as a practical guide for believers seeking to embody the principles of liberation and resurrection in their daily lives. Thus, the essence of this podcast is a profound blend of scriptural exegesis and applicable spirituality, urging listeners toward a transformative engagement with the world around them.
Takeaways:
- This episode emphasizes the fundamental concept of liberation theology as a divine act of salvation.
- The narrative from Acts 13 illustrates the profound notion that resurrection signifies ongoing transformation in the world.
- Religious authorities exemplified a concerning blindness that prevented them from recognizing divine truth amidst their rituals.
- The episode encourages listeners to become active participants in addressing societal issues through practical actions.
- The resurrection's significance extends beyond historical events, inviting continuous engagement in the pursuit of justice.
- Listeners are reminded of the importance of recognizing and responding to systems of decay and oppression within their communities.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Voice of God Daily
- ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide
Transcript
Foreign hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:This is episode number 801.
Speaker A:We have done 800 episodes of Daily Bible Refresh and I'm so pleased and privileged that you joined me here on episode number 801.
Speaker A:As we continue to embark on this adventure of reading the Scriptures together, which is what we do every Single day before 6am we usually drop these episodes where we bring you a fresh expression of the reading of the Scriptures.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by our website, Voice of God Daily, the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study guide.
Speaker A:We live out the daily Scriptures.
Speaker A:We read from the Revised Common Lectionary, a three year cycle.
Speaker A:We're in year C.
Speaker A:We're reading from the we're in the Epiphany season right now.
Speaker A:We make the Bible understand.
Speaker A:We give you.
Speaker A:We read from the New Testament only and we read from the Message version of the Bible, relatable by giving you some points to ponder and applicable by giving you a question to consider.
Speaker A:We have a prayer.
Speaker A:We do all of that in under 10 minutes.
Speaker A:Today we've got a great reading.
Speaker A:That's from Acts 13, verses 26 through 35.
Speaker A:Reading from the message Dear brothers and sisters, children of Abraham and friends of God, this message of salvation has been precisely targeted to you.
Speaker A:The citizens and rulers in Jerusalem didn't recognize who he was and condemned him to death.
Speaker A:They couldn't find a good reason, but demanded that Pilate execute him anyway.
Speaker A:They did just what the prophets said they would do, but had no idea what they were following to the letter.
Speaker A:The script of the prophets.
Speaker A:Even though these same prophets are reading every Sabbath in their meeting places.
Speaker A:After they had done everything the prophets said they would do, they took him down from the cross and buried him.
Speaker A:And then God raised him from death.
Speaker A:There is no disputing that he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who knew him well in the Galilean years.
Speaker A:And these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.
Speaker A:And we're here today bringing you good news.
Speaker A:The message that God promised the fathers has come true for the children, for us.
Speaker A:He raised Jesus exactly as he described in the second Psalm, which goes like this.
Speaker A:My son, my own son, today I celebrate you.
Speaker A:When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good.
Speaker A:No going back to that rot and decay for him.
Speaker A:That's why Isaiah said, I'll give to all of you David's greatest blessings.
Speaker A:And so the psalmist prayer he'll never let the Holy One See death's rot and declay and decay.
Speaker A:A powerful lesson here from Acts 13, really, about liberation and transformation and the ongoing work of the resurrection in our world.
Speaker A:Here's a few points to ponder, to think about.
Speaker A:One of them is a sense of liberation liberation theology, which is the sense that God liberates all of us.
Speaker A:It's the study of God liberating people.
Speaker A:This passage presents a salvation was not just some individual spiritual rescue, but it's a story of an ongoing liberation for all people.
Speaker A:The reference to David's guaranteed blessings suggests God's commitment to justice and flourishing for all people.
Speaker A:Today we might ask how resurrection power challenges systems of oppression and decay in our own world.
Speaker A:Second point has to do with religious blindness.
Speaker A:Notice how the religious authorities couldn't recognize who he was despite reading about the prophets every day on the Sabbath.
Speaker A:This serves as a powerful warning about how religious institutions can become so focused on maintaining trad that they miss the divine movement which is happening right in front of their eyes.
Speaker A:Where might there be some similarity of blindness happening in your world and mine to God's liberating work that's happening right now?
Speaker A:A third point is a living witness.
Speaker A:The text emphasizes the resurrection wasn't just a past event, but a continuing reality witnessed by the community.
Speaker A:In progressive Christianity, we might understand resurrection not only as a historical claim, but as an ongoing invitation to participate in bringing new life to places where death and decay is right now in our world.
Speaker A:Here's your action step.
Speaker A:Identify some place of death and decay in your world, in your community.
Speaker A:It might be something about the environment.
Speaker A:It might be something about systematic racism or some economic inequality or some justice issue.
Speaker A:You know what they are in your community.
Speaker A:It takes some concrete step toward bringing resurrection life to that situation.
Speaker A:This might mean joining a local advocacy group or some sort of a grassroots organization, or just starting a conversation about change in your community.
Speaker A:We're going to pray in just a second, but I did want to remind you again about our resource, our gift to you here in our 801st episode.
Speaker A:Our gift to you is not only the Daily Bible Refresh Bible reading, but it is a way to read the Bible in your own life.
Speaker A:It's called the Daily.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide.
Speaker A:You get it?
Speaker A:It's free.
Speaker A:It's right there@voiceofgoddaily.com help us to celebrate our 801st episode and help us to march on for another 100 episodes or so with celebrating with me by taking this gift.
Speaker A:The ABC123 Bible Study Guide let's pray O Divine source of new life, we confess we often read ancient words without recognizing their living power in our midst.
Speaker A:Open our eyes to see where resurrection is needed today in our broken systems and our broken communities and our suffering planet.
Speaker A:Help us move beyond mere religious observation to become active witnesses of your liberating love.
Speaker A:When we feel overwhelmed by decay and death, remind us that you are still in the business of bringing life from death, hope from despair, and justice from oppression.
Speaker A:Make us living witnesses of your resurrection power, not just in what we believe, but in how we live and work for change in the spirit of ongoing liberation.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:We've been here at 801 days.
Speaker A:We're going to do it again tomorrow, so I hope that you'll join us here on the Daily Bible refresh@voiceofgoddaily.com this time bring a friend.
Speaker A:Remember until next time that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's created new every morning.
